Mankato – Twin Rivers Council for the Arts, through its CityArt program, is inviting qualified artists and artist teams to submit credentials for the design and installation of a large-scale exterior mural in North Mankato as part of CityArt in the Alley, a creative placemaking series presented through support from Gene Biewen and Noel Van Tol, developed in response to the Belgrade Avenue reconstruction project.

CityArt in the Alley is designed to activate the corridor during construction by enhancing the visual environment, supporting local businesses and fostering community engagement through the arts. The selected artist will create a mural reflecting the creative identity of North Mankato, with emphasis on the role of the arts in strengthening community connection, vibrancy and economic vitality.

Underwritten by The Marian Anderson Fund of the Mankato Area Foundation, the mural will be located on a highly visible exterior wall at NaKato Bar & Grill, 253 Belgrade Avenue, North Mankato. Artists are invited to propose work interpreting one or more of the following themes: the arts in North Mankato, the city’s creative “art vibe,” and the value of the arts in community identity and economic vitality.

The selected artist or artist team will receive an all-inclusive $6,250 commission and is asked to include opportunities for stakeholder and community engagement through the broader CityArt in the Alley placemaking series.

The call is open to individual artists and artist teams, with local and regional artists from Minnesota and surrounding areas encouraged to apply. Applications are due May 6, 2026. A mural launch and community engagement event is scheduled for May 31, with installation continuing through July 18, 2026.

Call to Artist details are available at cityartmankato.com.